Hunter&#39;s shooting rest and method of using same

ABSTRACT

A shooting rest for supporting a firearm while a hunter is hunting from a tree stand, a tree seat, a ground blind or a field, including a mounting bracket and an arm pivotally attached thereto to allow horizontal aiming adjustment having a pair of forks from which a cradle is supported for resting a firearm therein. Vertical aiming adjustment is allowed by swinging the firearm forward or backward within the cradle and/or adjusting the cradle along the fore-end of the stock of the firearm.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for providing a stableplatform for selected devices, e.g. firearms, camera lenses, etc. Moreparticularly, the invention relates to a shooting rest for supporting afirearm of a hunter while hunting from a tree stand, a tree seat, aground blind or a field.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Portable tree stands, tree seats and ground blinds provideadvantages in terms of concealment and comfort while awaiting theappearance of game and during the process of following an animal with afirearm during aiming and shooting. In particular, portable tree standsprovide an improved vantage point when hunting various game, such asdeer and other big game species. The elevated position reduces humanodor near the ground which can alert potential game of the hunter'spresence. Further, the elevated position allows a hunter more movementwhile hunting without alerting potential game to the hunter's location.

[0003] Since hunters may travel long distances and over rough terrain insearch of game, it is important that the hunter's tree stand or otheraccessories the hunter may use be highly portable, i.e. lightweight andcompact. One accessory which can increase a hunter's chances of killinggame when using a tree stand or the like is a shooting rest forsupporting a firearm while the firearm is being aimed. It is well knownthat when aiming a firearm at a target or the like, accuracy isincreased if the firearm is rested against a platform or support.

[0004] Bench-style hunting rests are well-known and typically consist ofa bench configuration with an adjustable firearm rest which providessupport for a hunter's forearm and stock of the firearm. However, it isnot practical for a hunter to lug a bench-style shooting rest into thefield and over great distance given the weight and unwieldiness ofbench-style shooting rests on the market today. Bipod and monopod-styleshooting rests are also known but are not practical for use with treestands because there is no suitable platform on which to place the pod.

[0005] Additionally, it is known to provide a tree stand with arail-type shooting rest. The rail comprises a horizontal bar upon whicha hunter can place a firearm when aiming and firing the firearm.However, because of their size, configuration and weight, rail-typeshooting rests are not conducive to portability, nor do they provideadequate horizontal or vertical sight adjustment. Moreover, rail-typeshooting rests are not readily collapsible and therefore cannot befolded into a compact size.

[0006] In response to the shortcomings of known shooting rests,alternate devices have been devised which are more portable than thosedescribed above. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,685,103 to Wigginsdescribes a device for supporting a gun by the scope when aiming. Thedevice includes a base plate, an arm pivotally attached to the plate anda strap for securing the base plate to a tree. Positioned at the outwardend of the arm, opposite the base plate, is a downwardly extending ring.An elastic member extends down from the ring which has a pair ofharnesses attached at opposite ends thereof which hang looselytherefrom. In use, a firearm is held by its scope by loops formed in theharnesses.

[0007] Although more portable than conventional shooting rests, theWiggins device possesses several shortcomings. Most obvious are thefairly limited vertical sight adjustment afforded thereby and theinability to dampen side-to-side, or left-to-right, movement of afirearm suspended therein. The latter is due to the device's reliance ona single suspension means suspended from a single arm, specifically, thesuspension of the elastic member from the arm. Furthermore, theadditional time and work required to position a firearm in the device isnot desirable to most hunters. Additionally, because the device is notdesigned for use with a firearm that does not include a scope, thedevice cannot be used by hunters who rely on iron sites only orshotguns.

[0008] Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 5,723,808 to Devall describes anadjustable gun rest which can be secured to a tree when hunting. The gunrest includes a V-shaped base plate and mounting strap for securing thegun rest to a tree. A primary support is rigidly attached to the baseplate extending out from the tree, and a secondary support member ispivotally attached to the primary support member such that the secondarysupport member can be moved in a vertical direction. A resting means,such as a hook-shaped section, is connected to the free end of thesecondary support member to allow a firearm or the like to be restedthereon. However, because the attachment of the primary support to thesecondary support member is limited to vertical movement, a hunter usingthe gun rest is particularly limited in the horizontal plane withrespect to sight adjustment.

[0009] The present invention provides an improvement over conventionalhunter's shooting rests, including those specifically described above,by alleviating the shortcomings of known shooting rest systems. Thus,the present invention is highly portable, provides support for afirearm, and allows for smooth and continuous tracking with the firearmof moving game while maintaining maximum sight adjustment when aiming afirearm at game.

OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] A primary object of the invention is to provide a hunter'sshooting rest that is lightweight and configured so as to be easilyportable.

[0011] A further primary object of the invention is to provide ahunter's shooting rest having a suspended cradle for supporting afirearm in a semi-ready position so as to minimize potentially gamealerting motion by a hunter when sighting in game and for supporting afirearm when aiming and firing the firearm.

[0012] A further primary object of the invention is to provide ahunter's shooting rest that allows for unhindered and continuoushorizontal and vertical sight adjustment when aiming a firearm supportedthereby.

[0013] Another object of the invention is to provide an effective methodof supporting and aiming a firearm from a tree stand, a tree seat, aground blind or a field.

[0014] The objects of the invention are accomplished by providing ahunter's shooting rest having a mounting bracket and an arm pivotallyattached thereto, the arm including a two armed branched portion,preferably a Y-shaped portion, from which a cradle adapted toaccommodate a firearm is adjustably and swingably suspended.

[0015] The mounting bracket includes at its upper end a mounting platehaving an opening, preferably a slot, through which a T-screw can beinserted and driven into a tree, or other suitable structure, forsecuring the shooting rest to the tree. Connected to the mounting plateby a pair of downwardly extending posts, are a pair of horizontallyarranged right-angled brackets. A pair of openings for receiving theends of a strap adapted to wrap around and fit snugly against the treeare located in each bracket. The T-screw and strap together provide astable means of anchoring the shooting rest to the tree.

[0016] The arm is pivotally attached to the mounting bracket byinserting a vertical portion of the arm into a cylinder verticallyarranged within a pair of aligned, semi-circular recesses in the forwardfacing outward edges of the respective right-angled brackets. A pin isinserted through two aligned openings in an upper end of the verticalportion of the arm that protrudes through the cylinder. This arrangementsecures the arm to the mounting bracket and allows the arm to pivot orswing freely in a horizontal plane for smooth and continuous trackingwith a firearm of moving game and horizontal sight adjustment whenaiming a firearm. The arc of the pivot is limited only by the size ofthe tree, i.e. the arm will pivot left or right until it hits the bodyof the tree.

[0017] The branched portion, described in the preferred embodiment as aY-shaped portion, of the arm further includes a detachable Y-shapedconnector having a base portion which is inserted into the horizontalportion of the arm and a pair of branches integrally attached to thebase portion. Inside the base portion there is situated a spring-biasedbutton of a snap button arrangement for securing the base portion to thearm, preferably in a telescoping arrangement. The button interacts witha series of holes in the horizontal portion of the arm thereby allowingthe base portion to be secured to the arm at different points. Thus, thetotal horizontal length of the arm can be adjusted to suit a particularhunter's requirements.

[0018] A fork is attached to each respective branch, preferably in atelescoping arrangement, of the Y-shaped connector and secured theretousing a snap button arrangement identical to the one used to secure thebase portion of the Y-shaped connector in the arm. Suspended between theforks by a flexible elongated material, such as a cord, is a cradlestructured to accommodate and support a firearm between shots and whenfollowing moving game during aiming the firearm at game. Due to theloose or movable suspension of the cradle, a hunter using the shootingrest can support the firearm between shots and quickly have the firearmin position for a shot with minimal movement.

[0019] Once the firearm is in place within the cradle, adjustment ofvertical sighting is easily effected by rocking the firearm forwardand/or sliding the cradle forward on the fore-end of the stock or barrelfor longer shots and rocking the firearm backward and/or sliding thecradle rearward on the fore-end of the stock or receiver for shortershots. Vertical sight adjustment can further be modified by adjustingthe length of the cord securing the cradle to the respective forks asspecifically described hereinafter. Likewise, horizontal adjustment ortracking movement is easily effected by pivoting the arm within thecylinder of the mounting bracket simply by maneuvering the firearmsupported therein right to left. Thus, smooth and continuous aiming atgame in the vertical plane and the horizontal plane is allowed bymaneuvering the firearm within the cradle without having to directlyadjust the shooting rest itself.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a hunter using a hunter's shootingrest in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0021]FIG. 2a is an exploded view of a hunter's shooting rest inaccordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0022]FIG. 2b is a cross-sectional view of a hunter's shooting rest inaccordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention alongline 2 b-2 b of FIG. 2a showing the configuration of a snap buttonarrangement.

[0023]FIG. 3 is a top, cross-sectional plan view of a hunter's shootingrest in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the presentinvention.

[0024]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a mounting bracket for a hunter'sshooting rest in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the presentinvention.

[0025]FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a portion of a pivot armillustrating forks arranged to form a 180 degree angle in accordancewith an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

[0026]FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a portion of a pivot armillustrating a U-shaped portion in accordance with. an alternativeembodiment of the present invention.

[0027]FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a portion of a pivot armillustrating an alternative embodiment for adjusting the distancebetween a cradle suspended from the pivot arm and the pivot arm itself.

[0028]FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a mountingbracket for a hunter's shooting rest in accordance with the presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION AND PRESENTLY PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0029] The preferred embodiment of a hunter's shooting rest is shown inFIGS. 1 through 4. Alternative embodiments are shown in FIGS. 5 through8, where like features share like numbering with FIGS. 1 through 4. Theshooting rests of FIGS. 1 through 4 and FIGS. 5 through 8 generallyinclude a mounting bracket 10, an arm 12 pivotally attached thereto, anda Y-shaped connector 14, preferably, detachably connected to arm 12. TheY-shaped connector 14 has a first fork 16 and a second fork 18detachably connected thereto and a cradle 20 suspended between firstfork 16 and second fork 18 by a flexible elongated material, illustratedas first cord end 22 and a second cord end 24, respectively. The firstand second cord ends, are preferably part of one continuous cord asfurther described below.

[0030] More particularly, as shown in FIGS. 1 through 4, mountingbracket 10 of the preferred embodiment comprises a rectangular mountingplate 26 having an opening, preferably in the form of a slot 28,centrally located therein for receiving a conventional T-screw 30. It ispreferred that slot 28 is open-ended beginning at a lower edge 32 ofmounting plate 26 and ending approximately at the center thereof. Whileslot 28 can be a centrally located closed opening through which T-screw30 can be inserted, the open-ended nature of slot 28 allows T-screw 30to be started into a tree 34 without holding bracket 10 to tree 34. OnceT-screw 30 is inserted to a stable point, mounting bracket 10 can beslid onto T-screw 30 and T-screw 30 then tightened to firmly holdbracket 10 against tree 34 or the like. T-screw 30 is designed to beinserted through slot 28 and driven into tree 34 by hand. Mounting plate26 can be constructed of any suitable material but aluminum ispreferred.

[0031] Extending downward from the approximate upper edge 36 of mountingplate 26, and preferably squared to upper edge 36 and vertical edges 38,40 of mounting plate 26, are a first post 42 and a second post 44,respectively. Posts 42, 44 are arranged basically parallel to each otherand extend a distance beyond the lower edge 32 of mounting plate 26.Posts 42, 44 are preferably constructed of rectangular aluminum tubingand are attached to mounting plate 26 by welding or the like.

[0032] Attached to posts 42, 44 below mounting plate 26 is a lowerright-angled bracket 46 having a first arm 48 and a second arm 50. Firstarm 48 is attached by welding or the like at one end to first post 42and at an opposing end to second post 44. An upper right-angled bracket52 having a first arm 54 and a second arm 55 is attached to posts 42, 44by first arm 54 between mounting plate 26 and lower bracket 46 andaligned with lower bracket 46 as shown in FIGS. 1, 2a and 4. centrallylocated in the forward facing, leading edge 57 of second arm 50 of lowerbracket 46 and in the forward facing, leading edge 59 of second arm 55of upper bracket 52 are a semi-circular lower recess 56 and asemi-circular upper recess 58, respectively. Recesses 56, 58 are adaptedto receive and securely hold by welding or the like a cylinder 60 whichreceives arm 12. To strengthen attachment of cylinder 60 to lower andupper brackets 46, 52, a vertically oriented rectangular support plate62 is preferably positioned between cylinder 60 and lower and upperbrackets 46, 52.

[0033] Additionally, a lower pair 64 and an upper pair 66 of alignedopenings are formed within second arm 50 of lower bracket 46 and secondarm 55 of upper bracket 52, respectively. Each pair of openings 64, 66is adapted for receiving ends 70 of a strap 68. Strap 68 may be anyconventional strap capable of being ratcheted or cinched about a tree orthe like.

[0034] To install mounting bracket 10 on tree 34, as shown in FIG. 1,mounting bracket 10 is placed against tree 34 or the like at asufficient distance above a hunter 74 so that hunter 74 has ampleclearance between himself and the shooting rest to comfortably occupy atree stand 72, tree seat or ground blind and to hunt therefrom.Initially, T-screw 30 is either inserted through slot 28 and then driveninto tree 34 thereby securing mounting bracket 10 to tree 34, or,alternatively, T-screw 30 is first partially driven into tree 34 andthereafter slot 28 is maneuvered over T-screw 30 and lowered thereon.T-screw 30 is then tightened to firmly secure the mounting bracket 10 totree 34. Thereafter, strap 68 is placed about tree 34 and connected byends 70 to mounting bracket 10 using either lower openings 62 or upperopenings 64. Whether to use lower openings 62 or upper openings 64depends on the configuration of tree 34. Strap 68 is then ratcheted orcinched by means known in the art so that mounting bracket 10 istightened against tree 34. T-screw 30 in combination with strap 68ensures a stable and secure attachment of mounting bracket 10 to tree34. Optional pins or spikes 71, 73 can be attached to posts 42, 44,respectively, as shown in FIG. 2a to enhance or strengthen the secureattachment of the shooting rest to tree 34. Such optional spikes can bebeneficial when a tree or other supporting structure is smooth, i.e. atree missing bark. Such pins or spikes can simply be welded to the rearbase of posts 42 and 44, or, alternatively, such can be screwed in placeor the like.

[0035] After mounting bracket 10 is affixed to-tree 34, arm 12 ispivotally connected to mounting bracket 10. However, mounting bracket 10can also be affixed to tree 34 after arm 12 is attached to mountingbracket 10.

[0036] Arm 12 includes a vertical member 76 and a horizontal member 78attached thereto at a right angle. Vertical member 76 has an exteriordiameter less than the interior diameter of cylinder 60 and is adaptedto be inserted into cylinder 60 as shown in FIGS. 1, 3 and 4. Onceinserted into cylinder 60, a free end 80 of vertical member 76 extendsbeyond cylinder 60 and protrudes from the top thereof. A conventionallocking pin 82 is inserted through aligned holes 84 (only one hole beingvisible in the drawing) in free end 80 thereby securing arm 12 inmounting bracket 10. To prevent any sound which may be generated byvertical member 76 within cylinder 60 when vertical member 76 is rotatedtherein, it is preferred that a first silencer 86 and a second silencer88 are arranged about the lower open end 90 and the upper open end 92 ofcylinder 60, respectively, as shown in FIGS. 2a and 4. Each silencer 86,88 has an inner diameter small enough to fit snugly about verticalmember 76 while maintaining a close arrangement with cylinder 60. Thus,locking pin 82 rides along the top edge of silencer 82 when arm 12 isrotated within cylinder 60. A TEFLON™ washer can be placed between pin82 and silencer 88 to prevent wearing of silencer 88. However, when asilencer having a sufficient thickness is utilized, it is not believedthat such washer is necessary since wear would be minimal and notinterfere with the intended purpose. Additionally, a plug 89 is placedinto free end 80 to further decrease the chance that game might bealerted by sound generated within cylinder 60 or arm 12 or by theinteraction between silencer 88 and pin 82.

[0037] Adapted to be inserted into and detachably secured withinhorizontal member 78 of arm 12 is Y-shaped connector 14. Y-shapedconnector 14 includes a base portion 94 having an outer diameter lessthan the inner diameter of horizontal member 78, a first branch 96 and asecond branch 98 attached to first branch 96 at an angle, preferably ata right angle. Although, a right angle is preferred as allowing maximumpositional mobility while supporting a firearm as further evident fromthe description below, branches 96, 98 can be attached to one another toform an angle between 180 degrees, as shown in FIG. 5, and an anglegreater than 0 degrees which allows for sufficient movement in use asdescribed below. Preferably the angle formed is greater than 30 degrees.

[0038] To detachably secure Y-shaped connector 14 within horizontalmember 78, base portion 94 is inserted into horizontal member 78 and abutton 100 of a C-shaped snap button arrangement 102 protrudes throughan opening 104 within base portion 94, as shown in FIGS. 2a, 2 b and 3,into one of a series of aligned openings 106 in horizontal member 78. Asshown in FIG. 2b, button 100 is elastically forced through opening 94and subsequently through one of the series of openings 106 in horizontalmember 78 using spring force generated by the relationship of snapbutton arrangement 102 with the inner wall of base portion 94. The forceor tension generated therefrom allows button 100 to elastically protrudethrough opening 104 and to be easily pressed downward by hand whenrequired for insertion or release. Accordingly, when base portion 94 isinserted into horizontal member 78, button 100 is pushed inward therebyallowing base portion 94 to slide easily therein. Series of linearlyaligned openings 106 in horizontal member 78 receives and allows thedecompression of button 100. Decompression of button 100 into one of theopenings of the series 106, locks base portion 94 in place. Thus, thelength of arm 12 can easily be adjusted to a desired length based on thespacing and position of the series of aligned openings 106 and on ahunter's preference.

[0039] To prevent any sounds which may be generated within horizontalmember 78 and Y-shaped connector 14, it is preferred that a silencer 108be placed about horizontal member 78, as shown in FIGS. 1, 2a and 3,similar to the arrangement described above involving cylinder 60 andvertical member 76. A plug 109 having two openings (not shown) thereinis inserted into base portion 94 as shown at FIG. 2a to further decreasethe escape of any sound which may be generated within arm 12 or Y-shapedconnector 14. Additionally, such plug maintains cord 23 in non-twistedalignment when the shooting rest is broken down for storage and/orportage as further described below.

[0040] Inserted into first branch 96 and second branch 98, respectively,are first fork 16 and second fork 18. Each fork 16, 18 has an outerdiameter less than the inner diameter of the respective branch 96, 98into which it is inserted. Like the interaction between base portion 94and horizontal member 78, forks 16, 18 are detachably secured withinbranches 96, 98, respectively, using a snap button arrangement.Accordingly, forks 16, 18 include a first snap button arrangement 110and a second snap button arrangement 112, respectively, and a firstopening 114 and a second opening 116, respectively, through which arespective first button 118 and a second button 120, respectively, canprotrude. Similarly, each branch 96, 98 possesses a first opening 122and a second opening 124, respectively, for receiving a respectivebutton 118, 120. Further, branches 96, 98 include a first silencer 126and a second silencer 128, respectively, arranged about the junction ofeach respective branch 96, 98 with its respective fork 16, 18 tominimize the amount of sound, if any, that may be generated while usingthe shooting rest. Additionally, plugs 129, 131 having a single opening(not shown) therein are inserted into forks 16, 18, respectively, tofurther reduce the escape of any sound generated within forks 16, 18 andY-shaped connector 14.

[0041] It is anticipated that branches 96, 98 can be extended a distancesufficient to alleviate the need for separate detachable forks 16, 18.Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 6, it is anticipated that Y-shapedconnector 14 can comprise a base portion 94 and a U-shaped portion 133having integral members 135, 137 between which cradle 20 can besuspended. Thus, it is known that various modifications to forks 16, 18and Y-shaped connector 14 can be made that modify the design of thepreferred arm 12 while maintaining the basic function of the features ofthe invention, specifically, for example, a movable cradle forsupporting a firearm suspended at each end thereof by a cord inarrangement with an arm.

[0042] Exiting from an outer end 130 through a plug 132 in fork 16 isfirst cord end 22. Exiting from an outer end 134 through a plug 136 infork 18 is second cord end 24. Plugs 132 and 136 serve to better controlmovement of cord ends 22, 24 within forks 16, 18, prevent wear on cordends 22, 24, and muffle any noise generated by movement of cord ends 22,24 against forks 16, 18. Cord ends 22, 24 together serve to suspendcradle 20 between forks 16, 18 by attaching to cradle 20 through a firsthole 138 and a second hole 140, respectively, of cradle 20. Cord ends22, 24 can be secured to cradle 20 by any suitable means known in theart, such as by tying. However, as shown in FIGS. 1, 2a and 3 at 141,143, it is preferred that cord ends 22, 24 be secured to cradle 20 bycrimping the ends of cord ends 22, 24, respectively. Cradle 20 can be ofany suitable flexible material, such as leather, textile or plasticfiber fabric material, or the like. Further, it is preferred thatgrommets (not shown) be placed about holes 138, 140 to strengthen theattachment of cord ends 22, 24 to cradle 20.

[0043] Cord 23 of cord ends 22, 24 runs through the single openings ofplugs 132, 136 of respective forks 16, 18 before exiting forks 16, 18through the single openings of respective plugs 129, 131; throughrespective branches 96, 98; into base portion 94 before exiting portion94 through the respective openings of plug 109; and through horizontalmember 78 before exiting through an opening 142 in horizontal member 78near its intersection with vertical member 76 as portion 145.Accordingly, it is preferred that snap button arrangements 102, 110, 112be C-shaped as shown in FIG. 2b so that cord 23 can more easily be runthrough base portion 94 and branches 96, 98.

[0044] When cord 23 is one piece, the U-shaped “end” portion 145 can beknotted to allow for easy grasping of cord 23 and prevent end portion145 from being pulled inadvertently into horizontal member 78. However,it is preferred that a conventional spring cord stop (not shown) bereleasably placed about portion 145 of cord 23 in order to maintain oradjust the length of each cord end 22, 24 that exits ends 130, 134.Thus, the length of cord ends 22, 24 exiting ends 130, 134 can easily beadjusted by a hunter 74 dependent on his needs. Necessarily, cord ends22, 24 can be attached to separate cords with two free ends formingportion 145. These free ends can then be knotted or clipped together inthe same manner as described above with respect to cord 23. Furthermore,a pair of openings 144 can be formed in base portion 94 to allow acentral portion 146 of cord 23 to protrude out from base portion 94. Aspring cord stop 148 can be placed about portion 146, as described aboveas to portion 145, for controlling the distance that cradle 20 ispositioned from forks 16, 18. Alternatively, a second spring cord stop(not shown) can be placed about portion 146 to bolster spring cord stop148. To increase or decrease the distance, spring cord stop 148 issimply depressed thereby allowing cord ends 22, 24 to slide freelytherein. To lock the cord ends 22, 24 at a certain distance, spring cordstop 148 is allowed to decompress. The size of spring cord stop 148 issuch that it cannot pass through pair of openings 144.

[0045] An alternative to running cord 23 of cord ends 22, 24 throughrespective forks 16, 18, is fixedly attaching cord ends 22, 24 to forks16, 18 as shown in FIG. 7. Under such an arrangement the distancebetween forks 16, 18 and cradle 20 can be adjusted by having cord ends22, 24 run through holes 138, 140, respectively, of cradle 20 beforeending in a knot 149. A spring cord stop 151 is then positioned aboutcord ends 22, 24 between cradle 20 and knot 149. Spacing beads 153 areplaced about cord ends 22, 24 between spring cord stop 151 and cradle 20to prevent bunching of cradle 20 when spring cord stop 151 is locked oncord ends 22, 24. To adjust the distance of cradle 20 with respect toforks 16, 18, spring cord stop 151 is simply slid upward or downwardalong cord ends, 22, 24.

[0046] Further, an alternative embodiment to mounting bracket 10 of thepreferred embodiment described above is shown in FIG. 8. Therein isillustrated an alternative mounting bracket 150 which shares likenumbering with like features of the preferred embodiment as illustratedin FIGS. 1 through 4. Mounting bracket 150 includes posts 42, 44,mounting plate 26, and T-screw 30 as in the preferred embodiment.However, rather than attaching two separate mounting brackets, such as46 and 52 in the preferred embodiment, mounting bracket 150 incorporatesan I-beam-like structure 152 which is connected to posts 42, 44 as shownin FIG. 5. I-beam 152 has an upper horizontal plate 154, a lowerhorizontal plate 156 and a vertical plate 158 which connects lowerhorizontal plate 156 to upper horizontal plate 154. A hole (not shown)is formed within plate 154, and a hole is formed within plate 156 thatis aligned with the hole in plate 154. Vertical member 76 of arm 12 isinserted through these holes and secured therein using locking pin 82which is inserted through hole 84. Bushings 159, 161 are placed aboutthe holes formed within plate 154 and plate 156, respectively, to muffleany sound generated by the movement of vertical portion 76 in horizontalplates 154, 156.

[0047] In addition to the alternative embodiment of the mounting bracketillustrated at FIG. 8, it is known that various modifications to thestructure of brackets 10 and 150 can be made while providing the basicfunctions of these features of the invention, specifically, for example,an arm pivotally attached to a mounting bracket. Thus, mounting bracket10 or 150 may comprise a single C-bracket (not shown) attached to posts42, 44 in place of I-beam 152 or right angle brackets 46, 52, wherein acylinder, or alternatively holes can be placed for receiving verticalmember 76. Additionally, it is anticipated that brackets 10, 150 maycomprise a block of wood or the like adapted to be secured to a tree andhaving therein a hole for pivotally receiving vertical member 76.

[0048] With respect to use of the invention, the device is lightweightand configured for easy portability. The device can be readilydisassembled for storage in a backpack or the like. Cord 23, when thedevice is disassembled, maintains the broken down pieces in properconnection order so that reassembly requires minimal effort inorganizing and reassembling the components. The basic components of thepreferred embodiment break apart as mounting bracket 10, arm 12,Y-shaped connector 14 and forks 16 and 18. Strap 68 can be clipped tothe mounting bracket and T-screw 30 can be fitted with a cord attachmentfor temporary attachment to a hole in bracket 46 or 52 so as to maintainall the component parts together and avoid loss by an user. The addedlength of cord 23 which allows adjustment of cord ends 22 and 24 allowlength for disassembly of the components while maintaining themconnected by means of the cord. Plug 109 as noted above also serves toprevent twisting of cord 23 so that reassembly is easy.

[0049] To use the present invention, hunter 74 rests a firearm 160 incradle 20. To adjust aim horizontally, hunter 74 swings firearm 160 leftor right as it-rests in cradle 20. Swinging is enabled because of thepivotal attachment of vertical member 76 with cylinder 60. Further,there is no need for hunter 74 to directly manipulate pivot arm 12within cylinder 60 in order to adjust aim horizontally, as the forcegenerated by moving firearm 160 within cradle 20 is sufficient.Horizontal aiming adjustment is limited only by tree 34. For shots thatare blocked by tree 34, hunter 74 can stand and rest firearm 160 onhorizontal member 78. Accordingly, an optional pad 162 can becircumposed about horizontal member 78 to prevent potentially gamealerting sounds and to protect the firearm.

[0050] To adjust aim vertically, a hunter swings firearm 160 in cradle20 forward for longer shots and backward, toward hunter 74 for closershots. Additionally, cradle 20 can be slid along the length of thebarrel, receiver and/or fore-end of the stock of firearm 160 to furtheradjust vertical aiming. Specifically, cradle 20 is slid forward whentaking longer shots and rearward, toward hunter 74, when taking shortershots.

[0051] In addition to mounting the shooting rest to a tree or the like,a hunter can utilize the present invention while hunting in a field,isolated from upright structures sufficiently rigid to support theshooting rest. Specifically, mounting bracket 10 can be placed againstthe ground with arm 12 arranged essentially perpendicular thereto.Firearm 160 is rested within cradle 20 which is between forks 16 and 18.Hunter 74 thus simply steadies firearm 160 and arm 12 by the interactionof firearm 160 and his own hand with cradle 20. More particularly, bygrasping cradle 20 and firearm 160 simultaneously, hunter 74 is able tomaintain arm 12 in a steady and upright position while aiming at game.

[0052] The materials making up the components of the shooting rest ofthe invention, in particular strap 68, cord 23 and cradle 20, areselected to withstand different weather conditions while meeting theirintended functions.

[0053] As will be apparent to one skilled in the art, variousmodifications can be made within the scope of the aforesaid description.Such modifications being within the ability of one skilled in the artform a part of the present invention and are embraced by the appendedclaims. For example, the arm, Y-shaped connector and forks can be oneintegral structure. However, it is preferred that they are as abovedescribed so as to allow break down for storage and portability.Further, it is apparent to one skilled in the art that the tree standshooting rest can be used to support devices other than firearms, suchas cameras with extended lenses and the like.

1. A shooting rest comprising: a mounting bracket for securing saidshooting rest to a structure, an arm comprising a first portion and asecond portion, said first portion being pivotally attached to saidmounting bracket, and said second portion extending away from saidmounting bracket and forming a branched support at an end opposite saidbracket, said branched support having a first fork and a second fork,and said second portion of said arm and said branched support extendingin use in a common horizontal plane and a cradle suspended between saidfirst fork and said second fork.
 2. A shooting rest in accordance withclaim 1 wherein said cradle is suspended by a first cord end and at anopposite end by a second cord end, said first cord end associated at anend opposite said cradle to said first fork and said second cord endassociated at an end opposite said cradle to said second fork. 3.(Canceled).
 4. A shooting rest in accordance with claim 1 wherein saidmounting bracket comprises an upper portion having an opening forreceiving a screw for attaching said mounting bracket to a structure, alower portion for engaging said arm, and a back portion connecting saidupper portion to said lower portion.
 5. A shooting rest in accordancewith claim 4 wherein said lower portion comprises a first horizontalplatform extended from said back portion, and a second horizontalplatform extended from said back portion.
 6. A shooting rest inaccordance with claim 5 wherein said lower portion comprises a verticalplate aligned with said back portion and extended between said firstplatform and said second platform, wherein said first platform and saidsecond platform each includes an aperture for receiving said arm.
 7. Ashooting rest in accordance with claim 5 wherein said lower portioncomprises a vertical plate aligned with said back portion and extendedbetween said first platform and said second platform, wherein a cylinderfor receiving said arm is affixed to said first platform and said secondplatform.
 8. A shooting rest in accordance with claim 1 wherein a lengthof said arm is adjustable.
 9. A shooting rest in accordance with claim 1wherein said branched support is Y-shaped.
 10. A shooting restcomprising: a mounting bracket for securing said shooting rest to astructure, an arm comprising a first portion and a second portion, saidfirst portion being pivotally attached to said mounting bracket and saidsecond portion extending away from said mounting bracket, a branchedconnector attached to an end of said second portion of said arm oppositesaid mounting bracket, said branched connector having a base portion, afirst branch and a second branch, and said second portion of said armand said branched connector extending in use in a common horizontalplane, a first fork attached to said first branch, a second forkattached to said second branch, and a cradle suspended between saidfirst fork and said second fork.
 11. A shooting rest in accordance withclaim 10 wherein said cradle is suspended by a first cord end and at anopposite end by a second cord end, said first cord end associated at anend opposite said cradle to said first fork and said second cord endassociated at an end opposite said cradle to said second fork. 12.(Canceled).
 13. (Canceled).
 14. (Canceled).
 15. (Canceled). 16.(Canceled).
 17. (Canceled).
 18. A shooting rest in accordance with claim10 wherein said base portion and said arm are removably adjoined using asnap button arrangement.
 19. (Canceled).
 20. A shooting rest inaccordance with claim 10 wherein a first silencer is located about saidarm at an end opposite said mounting bracket, a second silencer and athird silencer are located about said first branch and said secondbranch, respectively, opposite said base portion.
 21. (Canceled).
 22. Ashooting rest in accordance with claim 10 wherein said branchedconnector is Y-shaped.
 23. A method of supporting a firearm comprising:attaching a shooting rest having a pair of forks to a structure,suspending a cradle between said pair of forks, and resting a firearm insaid cradle.
 24. A method in accordance with claim 23 wherein saidshooting rest is directly or indirectly pivotally attached to saidstructure to allow horizontal movement of said pair of forks when aimingsaid firearm.
 25. A method in accordance with claim 23 wherein saidcradle is swingably suspended between said pair of forks to allowmovement of said cradle for vertically aiming said firearm.
 26. A methodin accordance with claim 23 wherein a distance between said cradle andsaid pair of forks is adjustable.
 27. A method for smooth and continuoustracking with a firearm of moving game comprising: supporting a firearmin a cradle swingably suspended between a pair of forks, said forkspivotally attached, directly or indirectly, to a structure; swingingsaid firearm in one or more movements including moving said firearmforward within said cradle, sliding said cradle forward along a barrelor stock of said firearm, moving said firearm backward within saidcradle, sliding said cradle rearward along the stock of said firearm,and moving said firearm and said cradle horizontally.